The breeding sector is responsible for producing the racehorses that compete in Australian and overseas race meetings.
There are more than 6,770 active breeders in Australia, supported by more than 12,700 staff and volunteers. More than 67% of all breeders reside or operate in regional parts of Australia.
Breeders derive the majority of their income from the public and private sale of their stock, as well as through service fees. A strong breeding sector also has significant scope to generate economic impacts through export sales – particularly given Australia’s position as a world renowned quality racing jurisdiction. The potential returns are further enhanced by the shuttling of world-class stallions to other markets – the service fees from which result in economic benefits for the state/country of origin.
Thoroughbred breeding activity, related to the production of foals, is responsible for generating more than $935.2 million nationally. Essentially, breeders incur costs on the maintenance of broodmares, stallions, yearlings, weanlings and foals in the following areas:
+ feed
+ veterinarian, worming and supplements
+ travel and transport
+ infrastructure and maintenance
+ stabling
+ cleaning
+ yearling preparation and sales costs
In some instances, breeders incur all of these expenses themselves, whilst in other situations, breeders may send their horses to professional service providers.
In 2016/17, the sale of bloodstock at Australian thoroughbred auctions exceeded $584mil. Yearling sales amounted to just over $410mil of this amount.